Raymond G. Mendoza Jr., "The Kid", entered into eternal rest on Saturday, July 8th, 2023 at his home surrounded by the love of his family members at the age of 94. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ramon and Herlinda Mendoza; beloved wife Rosa Mendoza; siblings: Genaro, Oscar, Gilberto, Henry, Corinna, Richard; great-grandson, Raymond Thomas Medina. He is survived by his daughters, Norma (Mike Martinez), Diane Gracia, Patricia (Mike Auer), Elsa (Frank Medina), and Leticia (Robert Alvarado); 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Raymond was born the eldest of six children to Ramon and Herlinda Mendoza in San Antonio, Texas on November 17th, 1928. He met his wife, Rosa Martinez, at Lanier High School where they both attended. They married on July 2nd, 1950 and were married for 60 years when Rosa passed on March 20th, 2011. Upon returning from their honeymoon Raymond was drafted to serve in the Korean War. He served in the G Battery 3rd Battalion 11th Marine, 1st Marine Division and was shipped out after only one month of marriage on August 3, 1950. Raymond was wounded on December 7th, 1950 with a piece of shrapnel to the chest. The bible he carried in his shirt pocket helped save his life. He returned home in February 1951. Raymond was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his heroism from one of the war's most brutal conflicts, "Battle of the Chosin Reservoir." He also received the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Service Medal, and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of The Chosin Few, 1st Marine Division Association and Disabled American Veterans Post #08936.

Raymond and Rosie started their family in 1953 and welcomed 5 beautiful daughters. He was one of a kind, he was such a big presence with his joyful personality, always making people laugh. Raymond and Rosie had such big hearts and treated everyone with love, kindness and generous hospitality. He will be deeply missed by all and his spirit will go on forever in our hearts.

Raymond's favorite pastimes were family gatherings, barbecuing, Dallas Cowboy Football bus trips, camping trips, casino trips, and traveling around the country on road trips. He was a jack of all trades, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, automotive repairs, you name it, he could do it. Family and friends could always rely on Raymond to fix whatever their issues were. He was always willing to help everyone any way he could.

Raymond worked at Friedrich Refrigeration from August 1947 to August 1950, San Antonio Light Newspaper from October 1951 to May 1961, Swearingen Aircraft Corporation, and Kelly Field AFB from May 1961 to December 1988 where he retired as a Sheet Metal mechanic (aircraft) General Foreman after 27 years of service.

We would like to acknowledge some very special people that took part in the care of our beloved daddy. Loving Caregiver, Pat Flores; Caregiver with Comfort Keepers, Martha Grant; Sandra Green R.N. with Veterans Administration; Social Worker with Veterans Administration, Jeanie Panfeld; Veterans Administration Hospital, Hakim Mathis R.N. and CNA Jose; The Veterans Administration staff for their unwavering help, compassion and excellent care.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Public Visitation 5:00pm / Rosary 7:00pm

The Angelus Chapel

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Funeral Mass 9:30am

St. Paul's Catholic Church

Interment to follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer's Association or The American Cancer Society.

Alzheimer's Association - San Antonio and South Texas Chapter

1100 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 302, San Antonio, TX 78213

1-800-272-3900

https://www.alz.org/sanantonio

The American Cancer Society

P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741

1-800-227-2345

https://www.cancer.org/about-us/local/texas.html